I would love too learn the art of topiary and how to make the frames. What material would you use for the frames? How do I get started on this? What books are available and from where?
This article should help get you started: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/how-to-make-your-own-topiary.htm
We want to start two outdoor shrub topiaries to place in planters next to the house. We like the one with two spheres but don't know what plant to use. We think we would like the small leaf type like the box wood. Is boxwood a good plant to start a topiary?
This article should help with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/how-to-make-your-own-topiary.htm
If I buy a topiary moss filled, does it stay out all winter and still live?
I think that it would have a better chance outdoors if placed near the foundation of your house and then cover the base with leaves or straw and wrap the entire thing in burlap or an old blanket. Do not use plastic. I can't guarantee it will survive, but this will give it the best chance.
We purchased topiary plants from a florist to use as decorations for daughter's wedding. They are potted, of course. Now wondering if we should plant them in the ground, or leave in pots. We live in Gilroy, CA, south of San Jose, CA. We have full sun in front yard, combination in back. What do you recommend?
Its location generally depends on the type of plant itself. However, most topiary plants are well suited for areas with sun. If you are new at growing topiary plants, I would opt for keeping them in their containers, repotting as needed.
Bonsai trimming is more of an art than a skill or a set of instructions. Part of the art of bonsai is contemplating the shape and form of the tree and envisioning the shape and form you wish it to eventually take. For this reason, it would be difficult to give you an exact answer as to how to do this.
That being said, this article has some tips on when and how it is best to trim your bonsais:
http://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basics%20Bonsai%20Continual%20trimming.htm
Is there a way I can prune a bush to have it look like an object, sort of like a topiary without the form?
Yes, you can. Actually, traditional topiary is done without a form. It is a complicated and long process, but you can do it if you have patience. Basically, you want to slowly sculpt the plant into the shape that you would like over several years.
My Topiary bush in a well drained container getting east morning sun, which had been healthy all summer until 3 weeks ago. It is now dropping brown leaves like crazy. Moisture is ok and I have trimmed dead growth back, but it's not coming out of it. What should I do next?
It could have a fungus. Treat the bush with a fungicide and see if this helps.